Supreme Court to Appoint Observer for Chandigarh Mayoral Polls on January 30

Supreme Court to Appoint Observer for Chandigarh Mayoral Polls on January 30

Supreme Court to Appoint Observer for Chandigarh Mayoral Polls on January 30

New Delhi: In a significant move to ensure transparency and fairness, the Supreme Court has announced its decision to appoint an independent observer for the upcoming Chandigarh mayoral Polls scheduled on January 30. The electoral process will be conducted under the supervision of the observer and will also be videographed, the court stated.

The decision has been made in response to a petition filed by Chandigarh Mayor Kuldeep Kumar, who sought a direction for conducting the mayoral elections through a ‘show of hands’ rather than a ‘secret ballot.’ Kumar argued that this method would enhance transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justice N Kotiswar Singh issued a notice to the Chandigarh Administration in the matter. The court focused on free and fair elections and hinted that it might hand over the task of conducting the election to a retired judge. During the deliberations on the petition, the Bench categorically stated that the election process would go ahead as scheduled.

Kumar’s appeal also included a plea for an independent observer to be appointed. The court has finally agreed to this demand as well. The bench mentioned that along with videography, the role of an observer would strengthen the credibility of the electoral process.

The controversy arose from Kumar’s allegations of potential irregularities in the election process, prompting him to approach the apex court. The court’s intervention is expected to ensure transparency and address concerns raised about the fairness of the election.

No word yet from the Chandigarh Administration as regards the Supreme Court notice. In the meanwhile, the mayoral election, scheduled for next week, will go on in the presence of an independent observer, whose name will be announced shortly.

This step of the Supreme Court underscores its commitment towards democratic principles, holding the democratic process accountable, especially in the matter of elections. Developments pertaining to the mayoral elections at Chandigarh are being viewed closely as they will be a forerunner on matters of similar issues of local governance all over India.

(With inputs from PTI)